MOORESVILLE - Calling all Dachshunds: Start your engines. The Mooresville Downtown Commission will host it annual Wiener Race on Oct. 6 in downtown Mooresville.

The downtown commission began hosting the event last year, adding the race to its repertoire of events such as Halloween Trick or Treat, Holiday Wagon Rides, The Holiday Light Spectacular, just to name a few.

While it’s all in fun, the event also helps  local animal advocates raise awareness and funds. Nonprofit groups that help animals are invited to participate.

This year’s event will benefit Friends of the Animals, which also is providing volunteers. Friends of the Animals is planning to build a state-of-the-art animal adoption and education center along with a spay/neuter clinic in Mooresville. Various other non profit animal groups as well as vendors will be on hand race day providing pet related goods and services and serving tasty refreshments.

Registration for all racing dogs will be $25, along with proof of all required vaccinations. Registration forms may be downloaded from the website www.mooresvillewienerrace.com and must be submitted no later than Sept.  31.

As many as 200 dogs have competed in previous years. This year organizers are limiting entries to the first 180 applicants submitting proper registration forms. Trophies will be awarded to winners of the four racing divisions (Puppies, Juniors, Adults and Seniors). Wieners also compete for “Cutest” and “Best Dressed” honors.

Check-in opens at 9:30 a.m. on race day with the first heat starting at 11 a.m.

T-shirts featuring mascot “Moorie” will commemorate the event with original artwork commissioned from cartoonist Michael Gallagher. The shirts will be available for sale race day as well as through a pre-sale order form at the website.